GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick, 2024:
Yonas Campbell’s latest album, Once in Heaven, released on June 14, 2024, is a remarkable musical journey that showcases a masterful blend of acoustic elegance and electrifying energy. From the very first note, Campbell’s meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth are immediately apparent.
The album opens with a mesmerizing recording of violin, viola, and cello, drawing listeners into a serene acoustic soundscape. The lush string arrangements, performed by Tom Widdicombe (viola), Emily Bowden (violin), and Anna Ryland Jones (cello), set a poignant tone that resonates deeply. Just as you’re lulled into expecting a wholly mellow experience, half-way into the third track, “Trouble,” shatters this tranquility with a powerful chord and drum beat that launches the listener skyward. This transition is nothing short of spectacular, propelling the album into an entirely new dimension.
Following “Trouble,” the fourth track introduces an upright piano that anchors the album, solidifying Once in Heaven as a special kind of musical odyssey. Campbell’s vocal delivery stands out, carrying the weight of distant yet vivid emotions that seem to caress the listener, evoking memories and feelings that linger long after the music has stopped.
Rosie Watters’ backing vocal in “Love Will Last” is an added treat that continues gifting us on subsequent tracks. Each song on the album is meticulously crafted and delivered with heartfelt sincerity. Notably, tracks like “Once In Heaven” and “Trouble” highlight Campbell’s talent for blending acoustic instrumentation with a dab of modern elements and approaches, lingering on humans touching strings and keys, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
Dedicated to his grandmother Heather, Once in Heaven is a heartfelt tribute that radiates love and respect, making it even more poignant and touching. It’s a beautiful album that defies easy categorization, combining lush acoustics with many moments of powerful intensity (including quiet ones). It’s an album worth experiencing, drawing you in with its emotional depth and exceptional musicianship.
Media: Digital.
Visit Yonas Campbell
Bandcamp URL: https://yonascampbell.bandcamp.com/album/once-in-heaven-lp
